Let us talk to Mr Arun Bhat, travel, interiors and architecture, a commercial photographer from Bangalore. Arun has travelled miles and miles into some of the vicious terrains in India, capturing some breath-taking photographs that you can find on his website.
But before going to these really difficult places, how does Arun prepare for such a trip?
“I am a very flexible traveller and do not go to great lengths to ensure that every bit is perfect.” Arun shares his mantra to ‘pack in abundance rather than be efficient’. “I prefer to keep a few extra pairs of clothes. If I am heading to a cold place, I pack a lot of warm clothing to avoid the cold. If I am travelling to the mountains, I always pack for the worst possible weather, even if I am there in a season when the sun is shining. Better be safe than sorry!”
Arriving at a beautiful site after going through an ordeal of difficult travel, what kind of feeling runs through Arun’s mind?
“I immensely look forward to those times.” Arun replied, “Although I travel very extensively to exotic places, for both work and pleasure, I do not enjoy moving from place to place as much as I enjoy being at a beautiful place. Reaching such a place can mean that you can pause during the journey and experience the beauty of the place.”
Sure, Arun must have a favourite among the number of places he has visited over the years?
“This world is a beautiful place and there are so many places I have fallen in love with. Can’t pick anyone to call my favourite. I have never been able to answer this question without sounding like I am preaching. I would rather stick to my line than randomly pick up a place or two.”
How difficult was the weather at Lahaul and Spiti?
“During summers–that’s when I usually visit this region–the temperatures are congenial, staying in the twenties most of the time. Nights can be colder but nothing forbidding. But there are times when the weather can change quickly and drastically.“
“In summers, the sun is usually strong and blazing. Being at a high altitude in rarefied air, you can easily burn your skin with prolonged exposure to the sun. But good protection from the sun – hats, goggles and full-arm clothes keep you comfortable in regular summer weather.”
All of that sounds pretty rough. So, how does Arun prepare against colder temperatures?
“I prefer to pack well and dress in layers. I always carry more than what I would normally require, and be safe rather than suffer. I have been at temperatures below thirty or colder and have managed to stay comfortable wearing multiple layers – thermals, sweaters and a good down jacket. A pair of shoes of good quality is essential too.”
How difficult is it to take a photograph in a chilly environment?
“As painful as it can be. Cold weathers are a true test for a photographer. The first barrier to overcome is to get out of your comfort zone to shoot. In the night, when you can shoot brilliant moon-lit landscapes with stars shining in the sky, you find it hard to get out in freezing temperatures. Your gloves make it hard to operate the camera and the tripods.”
“The problems of cold can be plenty for a photographer, but facing them is always rewarding.”
But what has influenced Arun the most, to travel to such remote locations?
“I have a fascination with these places.” Arun has few things to share, “I always long to be in landscapes that are grand in scale and unparalleled in beauty. Remote mountains, high altitude lakes, glacial slopes and snow peaks have a charm that appeals to me as a photographer. I do not know if there is an external influence; perhaps it’s an innate desire.”